Chen and Fenrir advanced deeper into the cavern, the oppressive silence lingering like a predator watching its prey. The faint glow from the shard in Chen's pocket was the only light, casting eerie shadows that danced along the jagged walls.
"Why do I feel like I've just poked a sleeping dragon?" Chen muttered.
Fenrir let out a soft growl, ears twitching as if it, too, sensed something watching them.
"Yeah, I know," Chen whispered, tightening his grip on the Growth Sword. "Keep your guard up."
The passage twisted and turned, each step revealing more unsettling details. Ancient carvings marked the walls—depictions of battles, monstrous figures devouring entire cities, and strange runes that glowed faintly as they passed.
"Lovely décor," Chen quipped, though his voice betrayed his unease. "Really gives off that you're probably going to die here vibe."
Fenrir snorted, a sound that could've been agreement—or just annoyance at his humor.
Suddenly, the air grew colder. A low rumble echoed through the cavern, followed by the unmistakable sound of stone grinding against stone.
Chen froze, his heart racing. "Did you hear that?"
Fenrir's fur bristled, and the wolf bared its teeth, growling toward the shadows ahead.
A massive shape emerged from the darkness—a towering creature made of stone and shadow. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural crimson light, and its body radiated an aura of malevolence.
"Okay," Chen said, taking a step back. "That's new."
The creature let out a deafening roar, shaking the cavern. It lunged forward, its massive fists crashing down.
Chen barely rolled out of the way in time, the impact sending shards of rock flying. Fenrir darted to the side, circling the creature with calculated movements.
"Fenrir, distract it!" Chen shouted, sprinting toward the side of the cavern.
The wolf let out a sharp bark and lunged at the creature, nipping at its legs before darting away. The beast roared again, swiping at Fenrir, but the nimble wolf stayed just out of reach.
Chen spotted a weak point—a glowing crack along the creature's chest.
"Bingo," he muttered, channeling energy into his sword.
The Growth Sword flared with golden light, and Chen charged forward. The creature turned its attention to him, raising one massive fist to strike.
"Not today!" Chen yelled, sliding under the beast's swing. He slashed at the glowing crack, the sword cutting deep.
The creature howled in pain, its body shuddering as cracks spread across its form.
"Keep at it, Fenrir!" Chen called out, dodging another swing.
Fenrir leaped onto the creature's back, clawing and biting at its neck. The beast thrashed wildly, trying to shake the wolf off.
Chen seized the opportunity, striking at the weak point again. This time, the sword pierced through, and a burst of dark energy erupted from the creature's chest.
The beast let out one final roar before collapsing, its massive body crumbling into a heap of stone and shadow.
Chen stumbled back, breathing heavily. "That... was too close."
Fenrir trotted over, panting but looking pleased with itself. The wolf nudged Chen's leg, its golden eyes gleaming with a mixture of pride and amusement.
"Alright, alright, you're the MVP," Chen said, scratching behind Fenrir's ears. "Good work, buddy."
As the dust settled, another glowing shard appeared amidst the rubble. It pulsed with a dark energy, similar to the first shard but more intense.
---
[New Talent Gained: Abyssal Resonance]
Synchronize with the Abyss to enhance your abilities temporarily, but at a cost.
---
Chen picked up the shard, studying it carefully. "Why do I feel like this thing is going to come with a ton of strings attached?"
Fenrir huffed, as if to say, You think?
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Chen said, slipping the shard into his pocket.
The cavern began to tremble, the ground beneath them shifting.
"Oh, come on!" Chen groaned. "Can't we have five minutes of peace?"
A section of the wall ahead crumbled, revealing a hidden doorway. Beyond it, faint light flickered, and the air carried a strange hum—like the vibration of a thousand voices speaking in unison.
Chen exchanged a glance with Fenrir. "You ready for round two?"
The wolf tilted its head, then barked sharply.
"Good enough for me," Chen said, stepping through the doorway.
---
On the other side was a massive chamber, far grander than the previous cavern. The walls were covered in intricate patterns that glowed with shifting colors, and at the center stood a colossal obelisk, its surface etched with runes.
Hovering above the obelisk was a figure clad in black armor, its face obscured by a helmet shaped like a snarling beast. The figure turned toward them, its crimson eyes locking onto Chen.
"Well, well," the figure said, its voice smooth but laced with menace. "Another wanderer stumbles into my domain. Tell me, boy, do you even know where you are?"
Chen tightened his grip on his sword. "No, but I'm guessing you're about to give me the welcome speech."
The figure chuckled darkly. "You stand at the threshold of the Abyss's heart. Few have made it this far... and none have left alive."
"Great," Chen said. "Guess I'll be the first."
The figure's laughter echoed through the chamber. "Bold words. Let's see if you can back them up."
The runes on the obelisk flared to life, and the room filled with a suffocating energy.
Chen glanced at Fenrir. "You ready for this?"
The wolf growled, its golden eyes blazing with determination.
"Alright, then," Chen said, stepping forward. "Let's dance."